Five negative health effects of consuming energy drinks

Many people consume energy drinks as a cool way to beat the heat without realising the health risks associated with it. Some people use it as a post-workout health boost. Here are five possible health risks associated with the consumption of energy drinks.

New Delhi: As the temperatures continue to reach record highs in summers, many people consume energy drinks as a cool way to beat the heat without realising the health risks associated with it. Some people use it as a post-workout health boost. But the problem is that most energy drinks are loaded with artificial sweeteners and caffeine, apart from certain vitamins and non-nutritive stimulants. A review of current scientific knowledge on energy drinks suggested that their advertised short-term benefits can be outweighed by serious health risks, including high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, mental health problems, kidney damage, says a report in ScienceDaily. The research, published in Frontiers in Public Health, also highlights the worrying trend of mixing energy drinks with alcohol.

The health risks associated with energy drinks are primarily linked to their high sugar and caffeine levels. Yet, it seems little is known about the safety of some of their other ingredients. Energy drinks also contain a proprietary ‘energy blend,’ which typically consists of stimulants and other additives, Dr Jennifer L Harris from the University of Connecticut’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity in Storrs was quoted as saying by Reuters. Some of these ingredients, including taurine and guarana, have not been FDA-approved as safe in the food supply, and few studies have tested the effects of caffeine consumption together with these ‘novelty’ ingredients, she said by email. Read: Five hydrating and detoxifying summer drinks that keep you slim

Here are five possible health risks associated with the consumption of energy drinks:

High blood pressure

Many studies have shown that drinking energy drinks can cause a rise in blood pressure due to their high sugar and caffeine content. But, a research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, found that drinking energy drinks resulted in more profound changes in heart and blood pressure than consuming caffeinated drinks alone, with the same amount.

Heart problems

A study published in the Journal of Amino Acids suggested that consuming energy drinks causes more forceful heart contractions, which could be harmful to some with certain heart conditions. Another study published in Canadian Journal of Cardiology shows a link between energy drinks and cardiac events among teens.

Diabetes

All sweetened beverages can raise your blood sugar levels as well as account for a significant portion of daily recommended caloric intake. Research has found that energy drinks not only cause a spike in sugar levels but also lead to insulin resistance, thereby increasing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Obesity

Energy drinks contain a high number of calories, with the majority of these coming from sugar, which is linked to obesity and some types of cancer. Since energy drinks are loaded with extra calories, health experts say that intake can contribute to obesity and tooth decay, especially in children.

Depression and anxiety

One study suggested that energy drinks may trigger depression and anxiety in young men. The study, which involved more than 1000 young people and was conducted by the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, identified energy drinks as a “potential risk factor” for mental health problems in men. The research showed that just drinking one 250ml or more a day of energy drinks raised the risk of anxiety and depression, and the association got stronger as energy drink consumption increased.

Note: As per NHS Choices, there is no standard definition of an “energy drink”, however, it is taken to mean a non-alcoholic drink that contains caffeine, taurine (an amino acid) and vitamins, in addition to other ingredients.

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